#NYFW: 60 Seconds with Ernest Alexander
In the spirit of New York Fashion Week, we fired off questions on F/W 2015 and fun personal facts to the designers showcasing their new collections this month. See what Ernest Alexander had to say in this season’s “60 Seconds” Q&A.
The Fabulous Report (TFR): Tell us what we can expect from your collection?
Ernest Alexander(EA): We are going to be presented a very tight and focused collection inspired by a romantic vision of this wandering traveler or journeyman, if you will. For apparel we’re bringing in some classic, very wearable wools and heavy-weight cotton coupled with some custom developed fabrics and touches of leather. The accessories collection is something really special. We’ve expanded our line of beautiful raw-interior leather pieces with a large carry-all and added some new bag silhouettes in an updated coated canvas material that compliments the current wax canvas we use for our main line.
(TFR)Speaking of fashion week–what shoes get you through Fashion Week?
(EA): I usually switch between two pairs during the year: a pair of medium brown wingtips, and white canvas Adidas. For fashion week, though, I think I’ll be sticking with the Adidas. It’s hard to pass up a great sneaker during such a hectic time.
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day (if you can get away from work?)
(EA:)Probably work, to be honest. But I think I’ll be able to find some time to sneak away and grab some dinner somewhere. I typically stay away from fancier restaurants this time of the year. They’re always too crowded for me. I’d much rather grab a great burger somewhere local and quick.
What song are you embarrassed to have in your iTunes?
(EA):Embarrassed? Not too many of my songs on my playlists embarrass me. I have a fairly wide-range of things I like to listen to. However, I think some of the people close to me may say I have been listening to a little too much Drake lately.
What was the last movie that you saw made you cry?
(EA)UP
You’re at brunch. Sweet or savory?
(EA):If I wake up early, savory. If I wake up late, sweet.
If you had a time machine and could go back in time…
(EA):Sell the idea and make a ton of money.
What career would you have if you hadn’t become a fashion designer?
(EA):I went to Business School with the intention of building a career in advertising. I worked for a couple of agencies once I graduated, and really enjoyed it. So if I wasn’t in fashion, I’d probably still be cutting my teeth in the ad world. That, or I’d want to open a coffee shop.
Where was your last vacation?
(EA):I haven’t been on an extended vacation in a while. I’ll usually sneak away on short getaways upstate for a quick ski trip or up to Massachusetts to visit family and old friends. I usually go to Latvia once or twice a year for a week or so, but that ends up usually being work. My family is from Latvia, so every time I go back I find myself meeting with local artisans, doing some quick press spots, or conceptualizing a collection or new piece.
Okay, its early but any hints on spring 2016?
(EA): There isn’t too much to give away just yet, but it’s going to be light, loose, and an incredibly diverse, yet focused in its color palette. We’re looking forward to introducing some new things for this next season that we haven’t done as a brand yet.
